In the early morning hours, pedestrians are more likely to be hit. The data reflects this—that pedestrian accidents are far more common when there is little light, both in the late night hours and in the hours before dawn. Such was the case this past week when a pedestrian was struck and killed at about 3:20 a.m.

According to the Houston Chronicle, a pedestrian was trying to cross the street in the 1500 block of Blalock on Sunday morning. It was there that he was struck as he attempted to cross where there was no crosswalk.

The man who hit him, a 38-year-old driving a BMW, obviously stopped after the crash, as he has been arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.

Immediately following the accident, the pedestrian was transported to Memorial City Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

An officer with the Houston Police Department was then injured at the same car accident scene. The officer was seated in his patrol car when a black Ford Taurus hit him on the right passenger side. He was transported to Memorial City Hospital as well, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Taurus was ticketed, though alcohol was not a factor.

It’s more difficult to see late at night and while there are fewer drivers out and about, those drivers are more likely to be leaving a party or a night out with friends. That’s not to say that everyone out driving in the middle of the night is up to no good, merely that your risks of being involved in a drunk driving accident are greater in the nighttime hours.

If you must walk late at night, do your best to stay out of the street. Cross only in well-lit areas, and always be extra cautious in looking for oncoming cars. It’s difficult for drivers to see pedestrians at night, and you must assume some of the responsibility for your own protection.

When you are hit by a car, the injuries can be very serious. It’s not unusual for someone to spend weeks and even months in the hospital following a serious pedestrian accident. If you are a pedestrian who has  been involved in a car accident, contact my office today to discuss your case. Call me at 281-760-3053.